Merry Christmas!

We have had a busy December!  The kids had a couple school concerts, we've been exploring new areas, and making new and old traditions.  We went to the LDS Mesa Temple to see the lights and hear live Christmas music.

Preston is so excited for Christmas!  He just loves Santa and the magic of Christmas.  He's a first grader, which has really made me so sad for the families in Connecticut who lost a child and won't be with them for Christmas this year.

Logan is excited of course too.

Tanner still doesn't mind talking with Santa, but not too close.

The kids decorated the tree.  I think about 90% of our decorations are handmade by me or the boys.  Every year we talk about getting new decorations, but it doesn't seem to happen...maybe next year.

Preston turned 7.  I can't believe my youngest is that old now.

Tanner and Preston had school concerts.  Preston sang songs with the first grade class, so adorable.  Tanner played his sax and had a speaking part.

We are fans of The Piano Guys (if you've never seen them look them up on YouTube).  We surprised the kids with an early Christmas gift, a concert last Friday to The Piano Guys.  It was a lot of fun and entertaining.  Tanner was even able to get Jon Schmidt's autograph.  They will be performing for the big PBS fundraiser on TV, they are becoming very popular.  We were lucky to get tickets to one of their last smaller concerts before they get too big for us little people.





I'm so excited for my Christmas present that will be coming after Christmas, a new camera.  About half of the pictures I take with the camera I have now come out blurry.  Anyways, hopefully soon I will have clear quality pictures.  I can't wait.

More Kitchen Photos

Here are more photos of the whole kitchen. 

The before (above)

The peninsula is painted Sherwin Williams Tidewater, which goes beautifully with the backsplash.

I LOVE this sink.  It's large and only one drain that food can go down.  Great for kids!  I also love our new faucet, easy to use.

Our new dining table, well at least it's new to us.  I bought it off of Craigslist.  I love the pedestal legs, aren't they pretty?



Oh yes, beautiful roses in December.  It's amazing my rose bushes are still loaded with roses.  I'm still getting used to the weather here.  It feels like summer to us still, I'm not complaining I like it, but it doesn't seem like Christmas time yet.

Glass Tile Backsplash

We finally did it!  The new glass tile backsplash is done.  I ordered the glass tile online from The Home Depot, it's the arctic ice tile in the 2"x 4" size.  It comes on mesh which makes installation go quicker.  We bought a tile saw after comparing the price of renting one to buying an inexpensive one that we could take our time using and keep when we were done.  It took us about half a day to cut and install.  A couple days later I grouted.  Lastly, well I still need to seal the grout, but it shouldn't take long.

The kitchen looks modern and fresh now!

A small area between a wall and the refrigerator.

(above)

I'm happy with how it has all turned out.  Here is what it was like before, just too dark for me.  It is light and bright now!  Next, paint the cabinets.  Probably not anytime soon, I need a little break.